The pinnacle of a professional team's athletic trainer's career may be getting a job in the National Football League or major league baseball. Many others work in the semi-professional or minor leagues, whether they're employed by men's or women's baseball, football, soccer, hockey or basketball teams. All help athletes prevent injuries and recondition their joints and muscles after injuries. They also maintain progress reports on athletes, and help them get back on the playing field as quickly as possible. They earn annual salaries that are relatively average compared to most occupations.

Salary and Qualifications

Trainers on professional teams earned average annual salaries of $45,000 as of 2013, according to the jobsite Indeed. The minimum requirements for athletic trainers at the professional level are a bachelor's degree in athletic training and certification through the National Athletic Trainers Association. Most states also require these trainers to be licensed. Professional teams' trainers may spend time working at the high school and college level before qualifying for jobs at the professional level. Some may also work as intern assistants under a licensed athletic trainer. Other essential requirements include an attention to detail, stamina, technical knowledge of their sport -- and communication, decision-making and computer skills.

Salary by Region

According to Indeed, in the South, trainers earned the highest salaries, $53,000, in Washington, D.C., and the lowest, $38,000, in Louisiana. Those in the West made between $31,000 and $49,000, respectively, in Hawaii and California. These professional sports trainers earned $39,000 to $54,000 per year, respectively, in Maine and New York -- the lowest and highest salaries in the Northeast. In the Midwest, they earned the most in Illinois and least and South Dakota at $48,000 and $34,000, respectively.

Contributing Factors

A professional team athletic trainer can earn a higher salary as he gains experience. In 2011, athletic trainers at all levels, with one to nine years of experience, earned $25,236 to $51,417, according to Sports Medicine Salary. With 20 or more years of experience, they made $40,244 to $78,509 annually. Athletic trainers of professional sports teams may also earn significantly more once they have 20 years of experience. They also earn more in New York and California.

Job Outlook

The BLS projects a 30 percent increase in jobs for all athletic trainers between 2010 and 2020, much more than the 14 percent growth for all occupations. Major efforts to condition athletes and prevent injuries should spur more jobs for athletic trainers. Job availability is contingent on the number of sports teams, as these trainers may remain in their jobs for many years.